An initiative to prevent street drinking in Midsomer Norton town centre will start on 29th March after final approval for a Designated Public Place Order was given by B&NES Council.

Signs will be put in place within the boundary of the Order, warning people drinking in the street that they could face a £50 fixed penalty notice or be arrested and fined a maximum of £500 if they refuse to stop drinking or dispose of their alcohol when requested by the police or other accredited person, like the street marshalls.

Midsomer Norton Town Council, Avon and Somerset Police and B&NES Council are working closely together to keep the town's night- time economy safe from alcohol-related crime and disorder.

Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: "This Order is in direct response to feedback from the community that street drinking in Midsomer Norton town centre is not welcome. The measure supports creating neighbourhoods where people feel proud to live. Bath and North East Somerset Council will continue to work with the Town Council and police to tackle any ongoing problems caused by alcohol-related disorder."

Signs are being installed from this week along the boundaries of the Order and cover areas open to the public within the town centre.

On behalf of Midsomer Norton Town Council, Councillor Linda Dunford said: "This Order means that residents' concerns over anti-social behaviour in the town, particularly at weekends, are being directly tackled.

"The Town Council is determined that the town centre should serve the needs of all the residents and attract a range of people from Midsomer Norton and the surrounding areas. Making it a safer place for residents will be a major factor in achieving this and benefitting the local economy at the same time."

Inspector Shirley Eden, from Avon and Somerset Police, said: "This is a very good example of a partnership working between Midsomer Norton Town Council and the police. We welcome and fully support this initiative, which will influence the drinking culture in Midsomer Norton and help make the town a safer and more enjoyable place to live, work and visit.

"During the initial launch, special constables will be on patrol, in addition to the regular officers and street marshalls, to remind people that the Designated Public Place Order is now in force."

The Order is one of the measures identified within the local Community Alcohol Partnership action plan where traders, including licensed trade, local schools, youth organisations and community organisations, have all joined forces to tackle alcohol issues.